Walter Harris
July 08, 1952 - May 06, 2013
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Walter Harris
July 08, 1952 - May 06, 2013
Obituary
Walt Harris was born on July 8, 1952, an only child to parents, Russell and Mildred Harris, in Bakersfield, CA. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1970. In 1976, Walt was the first to graduate with a Masters in Advertising Design at California State University Northridge after having won numerous national and international art awards for the University.
While working on his Masters Degree he worked at ABC Television, in Hollywood, as an art director, working on popular shows such as Happy Days, Welcome Back Kotter, Room 222, Laverine and Shirley, Mork and Mindy and more. With Masters in hand he relocated to Hawaii and then New York working for J. Walter Thompson on the Pan Am and Ford Motor Company accounts.
In 1979 on his way to Harrah’s Hotels in Reno, by way of California, he met Randeleigh at a local Bible Study. After a long distance romance they were married in March of 1980. They began their married life in San Diego where one of his clients was the Padres, highlighted by attending the 1984 World Series. After seven years in San Diego Walt was hired by Saatchi & Saatchi, LA, relocating to Laguna Niguel where the family still resides. Saatchi offered Walt multiple opportunities to shine, producing numerous award wining commercials for Toyota as the primary client.
During their residence in San Diego Walt and Randeleigh began planning for a family, learning they needed medical intervention. After twelve years, multiple surgeries, and four IVF series, they were blessed with three precious little ones, Ashleigh, Brandon, and Collin in 1992. Walt’s love for his family was known by all who knew him, evident by the numerous family photos of his wife and triplets scattered all over his office, on his phones, and in his wallet. But even more precious to him than his family was his personal relationship with Yeshua (Jesus), his Lord and Savior since his college days. Seeking Divine guidance all his adult life and living out the Biblical principles of integrity and honor in his personal and professional life, he endeared himself to all who met him, exhibiting a fragrance of the Holy Spirit through a kind, gentle, and generous heart. All who knew him, loved and respected him.
After 14 years of commuting between Laguna Niguel and Torrance, a V.P. Creative Director position opened up for him at Y & R Companies Irvine. From 2000 to 2009 he enjoyed working on Lincoln Mercury and Jaguar spots. Traveling extensively for shoots, working in studio, meeting people from all walks of life, Walt was blessed with a career that was his passion. He would often tell Randeleigh he loved what he did so much he would have done it for free.
In 2007 Walt was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis causing him to seek medical help. The result was a once a week prescription (Methotrexate) which over two years created pervasive white matter in his brain, slowly interfering with his synapsis. By 2010 the neurological degeneration resulted in permanent disability eventually requiring full time, skilled nursing care for the last three years of his life. Over the last year, multiple complications ensued due to poor care which eventually resulted in chronic infections and his untimely death. Despite the struggles, he endured all with a sweet and gentle spirit knowing his future was in the Lord’s hands.
On May 6th Walt finally received his long awaited invitation from the Lord to begin his life in eternity and reunite with his loved ones who had gone before him. Free from his physical prison of silence and immobility, his family grieves the passing of a beloved husband, father, and friend but rejoice with him knowing he has ended his earthly suffering and graduated to glory with the Lord for all eternity where they will one day join him.
For those curious to see some of his work visit www.youtube.com and search for “Walt Harris Reel 2009,” and turn up your speakers! Or click on this link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH-4szcSOyc
To view the Memorial Video from Walt’s service, please click on this link:
www.4shared.com/folder/s2VVT8O_/Walt_Harris
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. They have several ministries directed to the Jewish people in Israel as well in Ethiopia. Please look at the website and consider which ministry you may choose to support with a donation in Walter’s name.
http://www.mjaa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=n_roi_Ethiopia_ProjectPage
http://www.mjaa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage
25 responses to Walter Harris
Randeleigh says:
May 20, 2013
You hit the nail, Terry. Walt was passion and class and life in a big laughing ball. You guys drove me nuts and I loved every minute. I remember long conversations with Walt about cars, ads, cars in ads, racing, and life. Walt always wanted to know what was going on. I was just getting started in life, and Walt was full of advice. I am grateful to have had him in my life. The world is a poorer place without Walt Harris.
Joe Kelly
Randeleigh says:
May 20, 2013
I had lunch with Terry Balagia last week and he told me the news as well. I too am so sorry to hear this. I knew Walt as both an agency account guy and when I was ‘the client’ at Toyota. Walt was always so easy going, thoughtful and when I was on the client side, he was extremely flexible when the ‘client’ would make some comment that most assuredly was a creative gaff… It shows, as a result of all these comments, that Walt touched many of us in warm and special ways. God bless him and his family.
Jon Bucci
Randeleigh harris says:
May 20, 2013
For this former Saatchi studio rat, the sound of Walt coming through the door usually meant someone was going to be working late. If I waited long enough, true to form, Walt would appear outside my cube, a big smile on his face and a stack of six-frame storyboards under his arm. Since so much of that stuff had to be handmade back then, Walt and I – plus whatever other production person unwittingly caught in his whirlpool – would power through the endless stack of boards, order dinner and eventually emerge into an empty Del Amo Mall parking lot.
Walt ended every one of those late nights – as he ended many of our interactions – with a warm, sincere thank you and a literal pat-on-the-back. He was always appreciative of my time and talent, so the next time he rolled in, I might good naturedly rib him, but would never hesitate to help. It was Walt after all.
To his wife Randeleigh and their kids, I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Walt was a furry force of nature. A warm, funny, gregarious, truly unforgettable character. He was a good AD to work for, but a great guy to be around. I will truly miss him.
Dennis Millette
randeleigh harris says:
May 20, 2013
I am saddened by news that my buddy has passed. Walt and I used to crack each other up at Saatchi about 21 years ago. I worked on many projects with him. I am at a loss for words. He was brilliant and passionate. My favorite spot was ‘Cross The Line’, (the director’s cut) a spot that was more creative than the client could possibly understand or deal with. Their loss. I also loved the Paseo spot ‘Bacia Mi’. When I built his reel before he left Saatchi, I made a copy for myself to remember how spots are supposed look when creative people, not account people, design them. Right Walt? Damn…..we should all be sad, the world lost a very creative artist!
I regret having lost contact with Walt after he left Saatchi. Unfortunately we all get caught up in things that seem like priorities at the time. When I first started at Saatchi in 1991 Walt and I hit it off right away. We laughed until we couldn’t stand upright. We also worked together in the edit room where I really got to know his creative side. My favorite spots at the time were ‘Cross The Line’, ‘Bacia Mi’ and the motorsports series. He always stepped outside the box and pushed the proverbial envelope. We shared an unusual slant on things. I was sad to see him leave Saatchi as he was one of my favorite art directors and confidants. Walt left his mark on the world and will always be remembered. If advertising commercials were like paintings his art would be that of Picasso or Salvador Dali. My dear Walt, you are in my heart and forever in my memories. I shall be among the many who you touched with that big smile of yours. God bless you!
John Celentano
Randeleigh says:
May 21, 2013
To view the Memorial Video from the service try this link:
http://www.4shared.com/folder/s2VVT8O_/Walt_Harris_Tribute.html